bThe Sporting News groups all linebackers together and names three total, the PFWA names two outside and one inside (middle) linebacker (as in a 4-3 defense), while the AP designates two outside and two inside linebackers.

cCushing was originally named as a second-team outside linebacker by the AP along with Lamar Woodley. When it was disclosed several months after the voting was completed that he had failed a drug test administered during the season the AP decided to re-open voting at the position. Cushing was named on only one ballot in the re-vote, down from 5 votes he originally received.[2] James Harrison and Lance Briggs replaced Cushing.[3]